Graphics Canada Seminar Series

10:00 – 16:30
Aviation B

Schedule at a Glance – Scroll Down for Descriptions & Speaker Bio

Cybersecurity for the Printing Industry
Challenges & Opportunities 

10:00 – 11:00
Aviation B

Summary: The printing industry is not immune to cyber threats. With the rise of digital printing, printers are increasingly reliant on networked systems, which are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. These attacks can compromise the integrity of sensitive data, disrupt business operations, and damage the reputation of the printing company. It is crucial to implement robust cybersecurity measures.

This seminar will provide insights into the world of cybercrime and its impact on the printing industry. Our expert speaker will discuss common cybercrime techniques, and the latest trends in cybercrime targeting the printing industry. We will also explore best practices for protecting your business from cybercrime. 

By attending this seminar, you will gain a better understanding of cybercrime and be better equipped to protect your printing business from cyber threats.

Speakers

Canadian Industry – 2023 Insights from Insiders

11:05-12:30
Aviation B

Summary: Attend this important session as we share the results of a survey of Canadian printers on the current state of the industry. This survey was conducted in the spring of 2023, so results include the latest sentiments of industry decision makers from across Canada. 

After the downturn from the pandemic, the economy was on a rebound, only to be impacted by major supply issues and labour shortages. With increasing inflation and interest rates, are printers optimistic or cautious for their outlook?

You will be surprised at the results from the survey! 

This session will include industry leaders discussing the results and sharing their insights from their perspective on how to navigate an uncertain economy to thrive and prosper. This will be an interactive session, so be prepared to participate and share your comments also!

Speakers

Richard Kouwenhoven
President
Hemlock Printers Ltd. 

Kouwenhoven Biography

Hemlock is one of the most recognized printing companies in North America. They are known for high quality offset, digital and wide format products, and services. In addition, they are recognized internationally for their focus on sustainable products and practices including operating a carbon neutral facility in Burnaby, BC, Canada. Richard is also Chair of the Canadian Printing Industries Association. 

Peter Spring
President
Category5 Imaging Inc. 

Spring Biography

Category5’s specialty is large-format printing, and more. They offer creative services for billboards, custom displays, and custom boxes, and differentiate themselves with in-house inhouse installation. Peter was formerly President of TI Group. 

Top 5 Ways to Recruit & Retain Employees
in Today’s Challenging Labour Market

13:00 – 14:30

Summary: Join industry experts, Heather Black and Nicky Milner, from Connecting for Results, for this impactful session as they share best practices that successful companies are using to recruit and retain the best talent to build winning organizations.

Their current experience is based on the need for organizations to attract talented, young, staff who are engaged to help them grow and prosper.

Employees who are in demand have the ability to pick and choose what companies they work for, and if the conditions do not meet their expectations, they have the mobility to move to an employer who does!

Heather and Nicky will share their learnings from dealing with hundreds of employees, as well as employers, to understand how you can attract talent, reduce recruitment costs, and improve your employee retention. 

Heather Black
Managing Director, Talent & Strategy
Connecting for Results

Black Biography

Heather is an accomplished talent acquisition professional with 30+ years of print industry experience. Skilled at cultivating new business and delivering customer solutions, Heather brings her background in marketing, public relations, and business development to her sought-after expertise in recruiting. In her role at Connecting for Results, Heather provides full-cycle recruitment services to printers with a specialty in executive searches and “hard to fill” roles.

As a support to hiring managers, Heather helps seek out top-tier and diverse talent for current and future hiring needs across her established network of contacts. As a trusted talent advisor, she has filled roles from senior management to shop floors across the industry, from print and packaging companies to direct mail providers, marketing agencies to equipment providers, and print suppliers.

As an industry expert, Heather shares her insights as a guest speaker and panelist with a special focus on attracting and retaining employees. She is passionate about sharing best practices, helping employers to finding a winning employee brand strategy to attract the right talent, creating a positive candidate experience from interview to onboarding. 

Heather serves the community as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Printing & Imaging Association (OPIA) and is a Career Mentor for Toronto Metropolitan University’s Graphic Communications Management students with deep ties to the student community and up-and-coming talent.

Nicky Milner
Digital Strategy Specialist
Connecting for Results

Milner Biography

Multi-faceted print and publishing technology executive, with experience in information technology, premedia and prepress, digital printing, program, and project management. Five-time member of PrintAction Canada’s List of “50 Most Influential People” in Graphic Communications. Successful leadership career with North American print and publishing organizations (Quebecor World, Transcontinental), in roles spanning production technology, operations management, digital media, and more.

The Value of Print – Target Your Efforts for Success

15:00 – 16:30
Aviation B

Summary: This session will feature a panel of experts from marketing and corporate to technology providers and industry, as they discuss areas where print has had a positive impact on their business success. These insights will provide a better understanding of trends, and the benefits of print products and services to help communicate to our customers.

Speakers